Assessing the Impacts of the Proposed Cielo Centro Observatory

In October 2025, The University of New Mexico-Taos (UNM-Taos) commissioned UNM’s Bureau of Business & Economic Research to evaluate the social, financial, and environmental impacts of the proposed Cielo Centro Observatory. The observatory – which will house the powerful 36-inch diameter, 12-foot, 6-inch tall Dobsonian telescope gifted by the King and Oglesbee Families – will provide students, community members, and visitors the unique opportunity to form a personal connection with the universe by allowing individuals to observe celestial objects millions of light years away. As part of the broader Cielo Centro (Sky Center) project, the observatory will support workforce development and fuel community prosperity by preparing students for meaningful careers through internships, partnerships, and hands-on research. The observatory will also allow UNM-Taos to capitalize on the fast-growing and emerging industry of astrotourism. Altogether, the construction of a dedicated roll-off roof observatory can position UNM-Taos to expand educational programming, diversify the local economy, and promote environmental stewardship through dark sky preservation.